Omega Man Killed by Police
 

Persuant to recent conversations and misue of profiling young Black men, this happened to a well-known and exemplary Bruh. Many Bruhs that I know are headed to his funeral and memorial service.

Shot fired by Muscogee County Deputy on I-185...
Muscogee County Deputy Kills Unarmed Man

39-year-old Kenneth Walker died early Thursday morning, after being shot in the head on Interstate-185 by a Muscogee County sheriff's deputy.
Walker was suspected of dealing cocaine, but not anymore.
Walker's family are upset and wonder, how could this happen to an innocent black man, who leaves behind a wife and 3 1/2-year-old daughter.
Sheriff Ralph Johnson is also "sorry this happened." He says this started off as a narcotics investigation, where his deputies stopped a Yukon they thought was involved.
Three of the men from the vehicle followed deputies' instructions, but the Sheriff says Walker was "resistant," would not show his right hand, then was shot.
"He was not trying to shoot him in the head. He felt like his life was in danger," Sheriff Johnson said. "The resistance part of it is that you don't follow the commands to get on the ground and have to be placed on the ground, and then you still can't see that hand. That's a judgement call."
The incident happened at 9:00 Wednesday night on I-185 between Macon road and Manchester expressway.
The sheriff also said, his deputies did not stop the wrong car, because the Yukon, according to their drug informant, had armed dealers inside. That information turned out to be wrong, because no drugs or weapons were found in the vehicle.
Walker is not connected to any criminal activity, according to the sheriff. The other three men stopped were released, and not arrested.
The victim's family, with an attorney, is officially requesting an independent investigation by the FBI or GBI. They say they weren't notified of Walker being shot until hours later, so only saw him minutes before he died.
The NAACP also is speaking out against the sheriff's department, claiming racism.
As for the deputy who fired the fatal shot, he is put on administrative leave with pay, which is standard procedure during an investigation. The deputy's name has not been released.
Sheriff Johnson calls this a "tragic day" for Walker's family, the sheriff's department, and the city of Columbus.

Saying it is a tragic day is a gross understatement. And before anyone says this is another example of an extreme case--it happens regularly. The brothers may not be killed but they are wrongly stopped, beaten and even shot.

I don't know if I feel more sad then enraged this B.S amazes me the black man is often shot and killed for reasons that are so trivial it's a damn shame. Doggy how about in South Carolina this white guy and his son killed two police officers and was captured unscatched how about that....yes I said KILLED two police officers, now a blackman can't even be in a traffic stop and not be killed I swear it's a damn shame.

I agree with ladygreek, this is becoming something that is happening on a regualr basis with our people.

too regularly. :(

I'm also in SC, I saw that in the paper last week. That's some straight MESSSS.

In all fairness, this was posted under the "Al Gore Endorsement Speech" thread...so, it had no "direct" ties to this thread. I was going to respond to it, but I decided not to...for the sake of preventing too intense of a discussion! But I think that the death of our Fraternity brother and friend (not to mention someone's son, husband and father), kinda brings home an answer to the question as to WHY WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED.

I referenced that thread in my response here, too. I think there are direct ties between the threads, in fact this is more applicable to what the other thread turned into. And you are absolutely correct--this is why we should be concerned.

We're all entitled to our opinions. I still DO NOT believe that this is the norm....and for those that do...that's your perorgative. But that is NOT the issue here...

My condolences to the bruh's family.

Unfortunately Sis, it is. 4 young black males in an SUV are profiled, then stopped without having done anything other than being Black. No moving violation, no equipment violations, nothing. Forced to lie face down without due process, and one is shot twice for daring to speak out. This was an exemplary Bruh, good to his family, good on his job, well known in town and across the state. Every chapter of Omega in GA will have a representative at his funeral. This could be any Black man in your family. This has happened to me numerous times, only I wasn't shot. I have been hancuffed, laid in the grass, car searched from engine to muffler, by dogs, just for being Black. It is more than an inconvenience, it is DEHUMANIZING, EMASCULATING, and the ultimate flaunting of WHITE SUPERIORITY. There is a place for profiling but it must be mitigated by justice, not "just us".

Ben Franklin once said that "those who will trade their freedom for safety, will soon have neither".

How is it NOT the issue here?

I actually thought THIS thread was about the bruh...I thought it would be more appropriate to pick up the conversation about profiling on the other thread

It is about the Bruh and what led to his wrongful death. This unfortunately, is an actual example of what we were talking about in the other thread which started off about Gore's endorsement speech.

__________________________
When you change your views because others disagree and you are a willing to be open, really hear what the others are saying, and are not afraid to admit you may be wrong--you gain a little more integrity, wisdom, strength, and cofidence each time.

Good points Bruh

It's really upsetting that situations like this are becoming an everyday thing. :(

Posted on Tue, Dec. 16, 2003

Walker's death 'a call to action'
Rally unites many concerned citizens looking for answers
BY CHUCK WILLIAMS
Staff Writer

Michael Ellison stood quietly, listening intently.

The 50-year-old Columbus Technical College employee was one of about 350 people attending an Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance rally sparked by last week's death of Kenneth B. Walker, who was shot by a Muscogee County Sheriff's Department deputy.

There were also local officials and dignitaries in the crowd -- Superior Court Judge John Allen, Rep. Calvin Smyre, City Manager Carmen Cavezza, Columbus Councilor Nathan Suber and Councilor Wayne Anthony.

Ellison was prompted to attend by his pastor at World Change Tabernacle, Prathan L. Powell.

"I am here supporting the effort to find out what really happened," Ellison said. "And, hopefully, to see that it doesn't continue to happen."

The crowd outside the Government Center was predominantly black. Anthony, a white councilor who was elected city- wide last year, said that was unfortunate.

"This represents the pain and agony of a community that goes far beyond this horrific tragedy," Anthony said. "We are a whole community, and the whole community was not represented."

Cavezza, the highest ranking city official in attendance, watched the proceedings carefully.

"I see a lot of emotion and I see a lot of unity," Cavezza said. "It is clearly constructive and appropriate; and that is encouraging."

Near the end of the rally, a group of Walker's Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers linked arms and sang their song of brotherhood, "Omega Dear."

Reginald Dean Sullivan, one of Walker's fraternity brothers and friends, said the tragedy has pulled the men together.

"We are a fraternity that believes strongly in friendship and brotherhood," said Sullivan, 42. "This has drawn us closer together. This is a call to action that things need to be done in our community to make it better. We have a history of these types of problems and that history needs to be changed."

Funeral Info
 

Seeking triumph amid tragedy
'Columbus, Georgia, I am here to tell you God's up to something'
BY KELLI ESTERS
Staff Writer

From the pulpit of a packed church, the Rev. Daryl Stover summed up the death of his friend Kenneth B. Walker in one sentence.

"Columbus, Georgia," the Decatur minister said, pausing, "I am here to tell you God's up to something."

Filled with emotion and pain, Stover and hundreds of others came to St. Mary's Road United Methodist Church on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate Walker's life and question the circumstances of his death.

Walker, 39, was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy a week ago. The details of the shooting are still under investigation.

During the services Tuesday, Walker was described as a devoted husband, father and son; respected in his church; a 15-year employee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield; a Kendrick High School basketball star; and a dedicated brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Many of those present at the funeral were middle class professionals. Some wore ID badges from Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Others waved their hands as the choir sung songs asking God to order their steps and tell their hearts what he wants them to do. All were hurting.

The usher board, which Walker used to serve on, walked around the church passing out tissues and consoling grieving family members.

A number of elected officials and city leaders attended the funeral. The people in the crowded church included U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, Superior Court Judge John Allen, state Sen. Ed Harbison, state Rep. Calvin Smyre, Columbus Mayor Bob Poydasheff, City Manager Carmen Cavezza, and Columbus councilors Nathan Suber, Evelyn Pugh, Julius Hunter, Jack Rodgers and Glenn Davis.

The Rev. Douglas Force, pastor of Walker's home church St. Mary's Road United Methodist, called Walker "a gem of a human being."

Force spoke briefly before the eulogist came to the pulpit, telling the congregation even though they are feeling "tired and slaughtered," it's time to be "ambassadors of peace." He also shared an experience where he felt racially profiled by Columbus law enforcement.

"Every stop may be our last. There are too many people in this country who don't understand that," Force said. "It's time we stop living in denial. It's time to start holding folks accountable for their position."

John Wilson shared memories of his friend Walker while showing no shame in his tears. He said Walker was not a typical only child, but the exact opposite -- "self sacrificing."

"We can't make sense out of senselessness," Wilson said.

There was laughter through the tears as Varrick McIntosh, a childhood neighbor, shared stories of him and Walker growing up. He told the congregation of their using their Cub Scout training to make a fire in the forest Saturday mornings to cook bacon and hotdogs, or exercising the night before Christmas so they would be able to sleep through the night.

Walker's 3-year-old daughter, Kayla, was not present. His wife, Cheryl, and mother, Emily, were comforted by family members.

Stover, who grew up in Columbus, delivered the eulogy. He said it was a tragic event that led to hundreds of mourners filing in that church Tuesday, but encouraged them to "triumph over tragedy."

"God has not left Kayla. God has not left Cheryl," Stover said. "He is going to give you double for your trouble."

Stover looked at "Mother Walker."

"You don't have one son, you have many sons," he said.

At that time, those who were members of the Omega fraternity stood and clapped.

Stover said even though there is a lot of confusion as to why Walker died, the big picture is Walker now has a higher purpose.

"That night a regular man become a soldier in the army of God," Stover said. "I have the last word over a good soldier."

Local Fallout
 

Posted on Sun, Dec. 21, 2003

Tragic death has city talking
Deck goes here
BY CHUCK WILLIAMS
Staff Writer

Kenneth B. Walker's death hit a nerve.

The discussion began in the early morning hours of Dec. 11 when word of Walker's death began to spread among his family and friends.

At the center of that discussion are the circumstances of Walker's death. He was shot to death by a Muscogee County Sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop of a vehicle suspected in drug trafficking. Walker and three other men were pulled from the gray GMC Yukon. No drugs or guns were found.

The discussion has now spread throughout the community. People talk about Walker's death in stores and at parties. This past week, the Ledger-Enquirer talked to a number of people about the tragedy and its impact on Columbus.

The Rev. Douglas Force, Walker's pastor, said the intensity and passion of the discussion revolves around one fact: "In theological language," Force said, "this was innocent blood."

Several common threads run through the conversations. One is anger. Another is fear. Yet another is a one-word question: Why? The discussion touches on topics such as race and racial profiling.

Kenneth B. Walker

To understand the discussion, you need to know a little about Kenneth B. Walker. The facts: He was 39. He had a wife, Cheryl; a 3-year-old daughter, Kayla. His mother, Emily, was a career educator. Walker was active in his church, St. Mary's Road United Methodist, and his social fraternity, Omega Psi Phi. He was a longtime employee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Here's what others say about Walker.

• "He was the good son," said Sharon Douglas, an Aflac executive. "His mama taught him right. People would be in a room and talk about doing something a little crazy and he was always the one who would say, 'No, dog.' "

• "Kenny's father was my homeroom teacher in high school," said Isaiah Hugley, deputy city manager. "I know his mother. Kenny was a great guy. He was the model of what any mother or father would want of a son. He was competitive in high school sports. He didn't give up and completed his education. He married, had a child. He went out and got a professional job and worked it for 15 years. He was church-going, and he worked in his church. He worked in his fraternity. He gave back to this community. He is the model of what I would want my son to be."

• City Manager Carmen Cavezza did not know Walker, but attended his funeral Tuesday afternoon. "We all know Kenny Walker, even if we have never met him," Cavezza said. "You could not leave that church without knowing who Kenny Walker was."

Mothers and sons

Black mothers have special concerns when they send their sons out into the world.

• "What happened to Kenny Walker is the nightmare of every black mother, that their son will be the victim somehow," said state Rep. Carolyn Hugley. "We are careful when we are training our young men before they drive a car. My son is 6-foot-2 and I had to talk to him about how he conducts himself. When you go to the mall with two or three of his friends, don't be surprised if you are followed. That is the reality of being an African-American male in our society."

• Douglas agrees. She has not let her son, Derek, a freshman football player at Tuskegee University, drive the family SUV since Walker's death.

"His hair is braided. He is a good kid," Douglas said.

• Bennie Newroth, government relations director for Columbus Regional Healthcare System, said black mothers have a special responsibility raising their sons.

"You know how, growing up, a mother teaches her child certain things, like tying the shoes and saying 'Yes, ma'am' and 'No ma'am?' " Newroth said. "In that socialization, we have to incorporate fear. That puts things off balance in doing so. When we heard the news of Kenny's death, every black mother who has sons became Emily Walker. We all said, 'Oh, my God, that could have been my son.' "

Law enforcement

The circumstances surrounding Walker's death and the lack of information, especially the Muscogee County Sheriff Department's reluctance to release of the name of the deputy who shot Walker, disturbed the community. In the wake of the shooting, some have called for Sheriff Ralph Johnson to resign.

• "We have to know exactly what happened," said Columbus Councilor Julius Hunter. "The only thing I know is a person was shot. The community needs to know. That is the only way we are going to put this behind us. It has to be a community-wide resolve. We are not going to allow people in law enforcement who conduct themselves in this way. We are not going to allow people to oversee and train them in that way."

• "It was like they were tried and convicted before they stopped them," said Reginald Pugh, executive director of the Urban League of Greater Columbus. "All I know is that is wrong. We all have a right to due process... . The officers involved were either ignorant of the rights or created havoc and put undue emotional stress on those involved... . The fact that they could not see his hand is not an excuse. That is not a reason to kill anybody."

• "The sheriff's response was too quick," Douglas said. "Why are they protecting the deputy sheriff? Nobody is going to go out and shoot this deputy. We just want justice done."

• "This is an opportunity to reopen the line of communication between police and this community," said state Sen. Ed Harbison.

Community

The reaction has sparked talk and action from some community leaders. Some blacks are disturbed by a perceived absence of more outrage from white citizens.

• "What I see in Columbus may be reflective of what I see in America," Force said. "I see a fear. But the other thing I see is really good people, people who are committed to making this town a cosmopolitan, urbane and humane community."

That said, Force makes another point.

"I feel a great sense of sadness for those in the white community who have not risen above social conformity," Force said. "And, a tremendous amount of respect for those who have transcended the obvious."

• "I can't say the white community is equally concerned, but it is concerned," Cavezza said. "The average white person can't fully understand the impact of this because they have not been through it... . The black leadership in this community is allowing the system to work. This community has made a lot of progress. This is a test of how far we have come."

• "This is a setback for us in this community," said Isaiah Hugley. "In my mind the African-American community has stepped up and is speaking out. The entire community should be concerned. And I believe the entire community is concerned. But the concern publicly seems to be expressed from one side -- the African-American community. That gives the appearance we are not in this together. That is not a positive message when you talk about one Columbus and unity."

• "I do know this: You can sense there is a real feeling of hurt," Hunter said. "Part of the reason for that hurt is some people believe the white community does not feel the pain and does not understand why this is so agonizing and hurtful. A human being lost his life last week. And the question is, why? It is almost like: 'Here we go again.' It happened before in Cincinnati. Now it is Columbus' turn. Part of it is people don't feel the white community fully understands."

• "The white community is just as outraged as the black community," said Columbus Councilor Nathan Suber. "Unfortunately, a lot of blacks are not talking to a lot of whites. I have a lot of white friends and they are just as outraged as I am. Just like the black community does not have all the answers, neither does the white community."

• "This is not only the blacks. A great many whites have spoken to me about this -- senior citizens, middle-aged folks, old money, new money," Mayor Bob Poydasheff said. "This is not a racial issue as such. The entire community is concerned and upset."

• "I think the reaction has been quite intelligent, instead of wild and reactionary," said retired Superior Court Judge Albert Thompson. "That is as it should be. If the investigation shows wrongdoing, then there is no excuse. They ought to be punished. I don't know who he is, but he ought to be treated like anyone else... . When you read about what has happened in the past -- riots and looting -- what has happened in Columbus is a patience and desire to straighten this out. Columbus comes out well. That should be rewarded with truth and prompt action to correct it."

• "I have talked to a lot of my black friends and white friends," said CB&T President and chairman of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Steve Melton. "It is almost like we don't know what to do."

The expectations

Leaders in the community have expectations once the questions are answered.

• "We have to make sure we fully understand what happened," Hunter said. "Second, as a community, we have to come together and resolve that this never happens again. We can't just say we are going to do things. One of the things we need to do is look and see how we conduct business in law enforcement. If there is a risk of life being lost, we may have to say no, it is not worth it. We cannot let this happen again."

• "We need to get the Justice Department and the FBI in here," Pugh said. "We need to do a thorough investigation and look at everything; Whether or not the task force followed policy and procedure. That is what led to him being killed."

• "All of us collectively have to come up with the solutions," Carolyn Hugley said. "The drug task force has to have more diversity. We have to decide when to put the public at risk. Do we put the entire motoring public at risk because we have four drug dealers?"

• "We need a resolution that is fair," Douglas said. "People know what is fair."

Thanks for the update Bruh I agree w/everything except the Mayor's comment about it not being a racial issue. The first step to curing any problem is to first admit that it exists.

Another Update
 

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to make you aware of a senseless tragedy that is becoming to
familiar in this country. Another innocent, unarmed African American male was
brutally murdered by so called "law enforcement". The man who was slain was
named Kenneth B. Walker. This incident hits very close to home because Kenny
was
an extremely close friend.


Last Wednesday evening a local sheriff's special unit targeted 4 black men
riding in an expensive SUV as possible "drug suspects". The reality of the
matter is that every individual in that SUV was a college graduate, as well as
responsible citizen. These four innocent men were dragged from their vehicle
at
gun point, and forced to lay on the side of a major Interstate like animals.
Simultaneously one of the "John Wayne" sheriffs made a conscious decision to
shoot Kenny Walker in the front of the head twice, with a H&K MP5 assault
rifle. The coward who shot Kenny claimed that he made a "judgment call" because
he couldn't see Kenny's right hand. While Kenny lie dying on the side of the
road, the bastards knowing full well at this point that they had targeted the
wrong vehicle, still resented the other 3 gentlemen. They place them in 3
separate cars and held them in 3 separate cells. Furthermore, Kenny was shot at
9:00pm and his family was not notified until 1:30 am. They didn't even get a
chance to say their farewells, because he died before they arrived. Of course
they found no guns or contraband in the vehicle. 6 hours later they released
the other men. They gave the driver his keys and said, and I quote "you're
free to go, by the way your friend is dead".


Kenneth Walker was a loving husband, devoted father and responsible civic
oriented individual who was involved in the local community. Not only had Kenny
never been in trouble with law; when they pulled his record they couldn't even
find a speeding ticket! So what it amounts to is that if you are a black
male in this country, no matter how righteous, your life is subject to come down
to a "judgment call". To add insult to injustice, this tragedy is being
stonewalled and quietly swept under the rug by local government officials. From
what we understand, the entire incident was caught on tape. The Sheriff's
Department is refusing to release the tape, which is a matter of public record
under
the "Freedom of Information" Act. Columbus is a small town. The "Good Old
Boy" network is very much alive here and the longer they hold the tape, the more
likely it will be altered or disappear all together (remember the 90 seconds
missing from the Cincinnati tape). If this had happened in a major city it
would have gained national attention by now. This is where we need your help.
Pass this email along to as many people as possible and contact the following
news networks about this case. www.cnn.com; www.bet.com; www.abcnews.com;
www.cbsnews.com.

Ya know, the more I hear about this the angrier I get. Shot IN THE FRONT OF THE HEAD--TWICE!!!! Write your cards and letters folx. :mad:

ttt
 

This tragedy is really making the rounds on message boards. Hopefully constuctive action will come out of it. Doggy, I just heard that Kenneth's wife and mother are sorors in the Columbus (GA) chapter. Do you know if this is true?

Re: ttt
 

The Deltas up this way haven't mentioned it, nor have the Bruhs that went to the funeral service. I'll ask one of the attendees and let you know. There was another nice article on Kenneth and his family in another paper. It has a nice picture of him and his beautiful family.

http://www.sacobserver.com/news/0112...h_walker.shtml

Re: Another Update
 

i've been so busy that i'm just hearing about this tradgedy and it actually made me cry. not just because he is frat but because this is just the one we heard about. it is a scary thought to have to be afraid of the police...

I just verified through our national president that indeed Kenneth's widow and mother are Sorors. Our prez. met with them 2 weeks ago and they told her the could not get an info released to them from the police. Using her conncections, she was able to get WIllie Gary to represent the family. This is not going to die. Justice will be served!!!!!

Good looking out LadyGreek. Willie Gary is also very close to our Grand Basileus. I was going to post the remarks that the Sheriff finally gave of his investigation, but it is an exercise in futility as it makes no sense. Sounded like a bad episode of The Wire.

http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp...3&nav=8faoKFDE

The Sheriffs story makes no sense.

Well I bet that your Grand Basileus played a dominant role in getting Willie Gary. I'm just glad that our orgs are stepping up to the plate with this.

Not sure why, but this situation is the "straw that broke the camel's back" for me. I am feeling it very deeply. I am going to Delta Days in the Nation's Capital in a couple of weeks and you'd better believe when I meet with my Senators we are going to have a discussion about racial profiling and police brutality.

Omega Psi Phi, Rainbow PUSH and Black Elected Officials in the state of Georgia held a rally Friday at the West End Mall in Atlanta to protest and raise awareness of the police brutality murder of our good Brother, Kenny. We are on our way to turning this into a national protest.

Thanks for the update bruh, continue to stand on the third card.

WAY TO GO!!!!

UPDATE
 

Que's-mail attracts national attention
>
>
>Frustration over friend's death leads to e-mail that has circled the globe
>and made story national news
>
>
>Columba (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
>
>One man's voice just got a whole lot louder.
>
>Wednesday's edition of CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight" featured the Kenneth Walker
>shooting death. And that's just what Will Rembert of Midland, Ga., wanted --
>his friend's death to become national news.
>
>"It's really done the whole nation a disservice that more folks don't know
>about Kenny's death," Rembert said.
>
>He and another friend of Walker got together, wrote an e-mail and hit the
>send button. That e-mail has since circled the globe.
>
>Amy Shniderman, a producer for the Dobbs program, said they were alerted to
>the Walker shooting from a viewer e-mail on Tuesday.
>
>"It's a fascinating story, and we were amazed that it hasn't gotten more
>media attention," Shniderman said. "The e-mail just got us into it."
>
>Walker was fatally shot Dec. 10 by a Muscogee County Sheriff's deputy during
>the stop of a vehicle suspected of carrying armed drug traffickers from Miami.
>Walker and three other local men were pulled from the GMC Yukon on Interstate
>185. No drugs or weapons were found.
>
>After Walker's funeral, Rembert spoke with Daryl Blackmon of Atlanta of the
>heavy feelings they had about the situation. Blackmon, like Rembert, belonged
>to Omega Psi Phi, Walker's fraternity.
>
>"Kenny was a very good guy," Blackmon said. "You have a lot of people who get
>into foolish things, but Kenny was not one of those guys who did haphazard
>things in life."
>
>Rembert and Blackmon decided to write down what they were feeling. Rembert
>e-mailed what he had to Blackmon. Blackmon then wrote an introduction to the
>e-mail and forwarded it to his fraternity's national office, where it was placed
>on its Web site.
>
>The e-mail, titled "Innocent Man Murdered," tells the story of Walker's death
>from the men's perspectives. It also asks people who read the e-mail to
>forward it to more people and media outlets.
>
>"The e-mail spread like an amoeba," Blackmon said.
>
>Having attached their contact information at the bottom of the e-mail,
>Blackmon said that he receives about a dozen calls a day. Rembert has fielded calls
>from California, Texas, Philadelphia and New York.
>
>The questions he receives include the following: What's being done about it?
>Is the local NAACP involved? Are there any marches or demonstrations to
>attend? Has the sheriff's deputy been charged? Where does the investigation stand?
>
>"They say they are outraged and will forward it on to more and more people,"
>Rembert said. "It's just an outpouring of questions and people wondering
>what's going to be done."
>
>Blackmon has received calls from Europe and the Caribbean. At the University
>of Notre Dame, a graduate student who had to do a project on racial profiling
>also called.
>
>Bessie Downing, a Washington, D.C.-area resident, received the e-mail on Feb.
>4 from an unknown person. She was so "outraged" that she wrote a letter about
>the incident and sent it to civil rights activists and preachers across the
>country on Feb. 6.
>
>"I went straight to the top," Downing said. "I hope something is done about
>it. These kinds of incidents have got to stop."
>
>Talk of Walker's death and the e-mail have been debated in various discussion
>groups and listservs on the Internet. The Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the
>Omega chapters at Grambling State University in Grambling, La., have e-groups
>where the e-mail was posted. There were 48 members on one group and 109
>members on the other. A discussion board based in Phenix City, called "redneckin,"
>posts updates and is a venue for discussion on the case. The e-mail has been
>posted on the National Association of Black Journalists listserv. A woman in
>Fredericksburg, Va., said she has received the e-mail three times.
>
>Bobby White, 27, of Fort Worth, Texas, first saw the e-mail on a message
>board for nightlife in Washington, D.C.
>
>"I was dismissive of it at first," White said. "I couldn't believe something
>this heinous occurred and didn't get any national attention."
>
>Then he received the e-mail from his girlfriend in Maryland. She received the
>e-mail from her mother and then sent it to White with a phone call. He went
>to a news database and found out the shooting was true.
>
>"The way the facts were laid out in the e-mail, I just thought something like
>this cannot happen," White said. "Then I checked it out. I thought, 'This is
>crazy and heinous.' "
>
>He forwarded it on to a friend.
>
>Emotions vs. facts
>
>Penned shortly after Walker's funeral, the heartfelt e-mail was more
>emotionally charged than factually accurate.
>
>"Heavy, heavy feelings were involved," Blackmon said of the e-mail. "I told
>Will I am just going to put my feelings down."
>
>Some information believed to be accurate then has since been proven false.
>Other references, while powerful, cannot be supported. Examples from the e-mail
>include:
>
>• "... was brutally murdered...": Murder is a legal charge that includes
>intent or premeditation. No legal charge has been brought, and the incident is
>under investigation as a homicide, which means death at the hands of another.
>
>• "... sheriffs made a conscious decision to shoot... (the person) claimed
>that he made a 'judgment call'...": Deputy David Glisson has made no public
>statements, declined interviews and the comments made to investigators have not
>been disclosed to the public.
>
>• "... they had targeted the wrong vehicle...": According to the sheriff's
>statement on Jan. 16, the officers stopped the vehicle, based on the
>surveillance link to the apartment where drug dealing was allegedly taking place, but
>officers found no guns or drugs in the vehicle. An informant had reported to
>police that the alleged dealers' drug connection from Miami would arrive in a gray
>GMC Yukon, and the men inside would be armed.
>
>In Columbus
>
>Ledger-Enquirer staffers and editors also have received e-mails regarding the
>shooting. Mayor Bob Poydasheff, interviewed about the Walker shooting on the
>Dobbs show Wednesday, said Columbus residents are "agitated" and "grieving."
>But he said he is counseling patience to the community to wait for the Georgia
>Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muscogee
>County Sheriff's Department internal investigation to be complete.
>
>State Rep. Carolyn Hugley, whose husband, Deputy City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
>is a fraternity brother of Walker's, said she had not seen the e-mail.
>
>"It's a topic of strong concern because it's a tragic thing that happened,"
>Hugley said. "People have been waiting patiently for more results, because
>they're concerned with the outcome."
>
>"The eyes of the nation are on Columbus, and we have to make sure justice is
>reflected back to them."
>
>State Rep. Calvin Smyre, who urged the GBI to get involved in the case, also
>had not seen the e-mail posting:
>
>"The longer the cloud hangs over Columbus, the darker all this is going to
>get. The wait feeds suspicion," Smyre said. "The longer we wait for the results
>of this investigation, the more the credibility of the report comes into play.
>
>"I think it's time for us to hear something. People want to move on, to get
>this behind us, to see what the answers are. We're all trying to find the
>truth."
>
>Muscogee County Sheriff's Capt. Joe McCrea said Wednesday he had fielded "a c
>ouple dozen" calls, some locally and some from out of state, asking about the
>case.
>
>At one point last month, a radio talk show host from Detroit called him and
>announced that he was on the air. Some of the callers read to him verbatim from
>various e-mails being circulated.
>
>The bulk of the calls came within the first weeks of the shooting then began
>to wane till about two weeks ago, McCrea said.
>
>"At first, they're all upset about what they've read," McCrea said. "I tell
>them there's a little more to it and then after a while they seem to be a bit
>more satisfied."
>
>This week a new e-mail being circulated found its way to the department.
>
>"This particular week, it's the one where they think the incident happened
>last week," said the sheriff's captain. "Our response has been to give them a
>brief background on the status of the investigation, where it is and what we've
>done in terms of calling in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI."
>
>McCrea said the "primary concern from most of the callers" was that the
>shooting was being investigated.
>
>"They seem to be reassured when they're told we have not one, but two,
>outside agencies investigating it," he said.
>QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ Q
>http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/l...ws/7924050.htm

Update #2
 

>Bro. Walker's family retains lawyer
>
>NAACP again asks for review board
>
>
>On the two-month anniversary of her son's shooting death, Emily J. Walker
>confirmed Tuesday that her family has hired a prominent Florida attorney.
>
>Walker said that Willie E. Gary, based in Stuart, Fla., is working for the
>family. Kori Love, a spokeswoman for the law firm Gary, Williams, Parenti,
>Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson & Sperando, confirmed Gary is representing the
>Walkers.
>
>Kenneth Walker, Emily's son, was fatally shot Dec. 10 by Muscogee County
>Sheriff's Deputy David Glisson during the stop of a vehicle suspected of carrying
>armed drug traffickers from Miami. Walker and three other local men were
>pulled from the GMC Yukon on Interstate 185. No drugs or weapons were found.
>
>Attorney Dwayne L. Brown of Montgomery, Ala., was retained weeks ago by the
>other three men in the car.
>
>Neither Emily Walker nor Gary's law firm would give any details as to what
>they have planned.
>
>According to his Web site, www.williegary.com, Willie Gary is nicknamed "The
>Giant Killer" for taking on little-known clients and beating major
>corporations.
>
>"He has won some of the biggest jury awards in U.S. history," the Web site
>states. "He has also won more than 150 cases valued well in excess of a million
>dollars each."
>
>Tuesday at Council
>
>NAACP Columbus Chapter President Edward DuBose came before Columbus Council
>asking again for a citizen's review board to look into allegations of police
>misconduct and abuse.
>
>"You guys are probably as tired of seeing me, as I am of y'all," DuBose said
>in his opening remarks to council. "But the issue dictates that we still see
>each other."
>
>DuBose said there was a dark shadow over the city because there has been no
>resolve in the Walker case.
>
>"There is no videotape, Glisson is still being paid and Johnson is still in
>office," DuBose said.
>
>Muscogee County Sheriff Ralph Johnson said there was a videotape of the
>incident but has refused to release it. Glisson is on paid administrative leave.
>The NAACP has asked for Johnson's resignation, but Johnson has said he doesn't
>intend to step down.
>
>"The council is going on with business," DuBose said. "But this community
>can't move on collectively until Kenny Walker is resolved."
>
>But council members told DuBose their hands are tied, because they have no
>authority over the independent Muscogee County Sheriff's Department.
>
>"Whether I like it or not..., I have to follow the law," Councilor Evelyn
>Pugh said. "If we could do something, we would've done something. Our hands are
>just as tied as yours are."
>
>Council members did assure DuBose that they were doing research on the
>success of review and advisory boards across the country.
>
>The GBI and FBI said Tuesday that their investigation of the Walker shooting
>continues. FBI Special Agent Steve Lazarus could not give details on the
>status or process of the investigation.
>
>"The investigation is still pending, and there is no timetable," Lazarus said.

Eyewitness Report
 

Eyewitness Describes Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Man



An eyewitness to Wednesday night's fatal shooting of an unarmed man by

a Muscogee County Sheriff's Deputy says it was a case of being in the

"wong place" at the "wrong time."


Warren Beaulah was driving the SUV in which 39-year-old Kenneth Walker

was riding on Interstate 185 at around 9 o'clock Wednesday night.

According to Beaulah, he and his passengers were doing nothing wrong

when he observed blue lights in the rear view mirror.


He pulled over to the side of the road and was in the process of

putting the car in park when, he says, a law enforcement officer

pulled open his door and dragged him from the vehicle. "I was

snatched out of the car with an automatic weapon in my face," he told

News Leader 9's Elizabeth White, "(and) drug to the ground."


Five to ten seconds later, Beaulah says he heard a single gunshot. At

the time the shot was fired, he says, there was "lots of screaming and

yelling."


A short time later, as he was led in handcuffs around the front of the

vehicle, Beaulah says he saw his friend, 39-year-old Kenneth Walker,

lying on the ground in a partial fetal position and saw a pool of

blood.


The Muscogee County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that Walker was

unarmed at the time of the incident and blames the fatal incident on

faulty information from an informant in a drug case.

Statement Issued by Sheriff
 

The following statement was read to the media by Muscogee County Sheriff Ralph Johnson during a news conference Friday afternoon:

I would like to thank everyone for being here today. It's been a little more than a month since the tragic incident that took the life of Kenneth Walker. During this period, the Sheriff's Office has been faced with a dilemma between the desire to disclose the facts, as we know them and the conflicting desire not to do anything that would interfere with the investigation being conducted by the GBI. I have decided to make public the facts in this case that my office has developed. I have disclosed the facts that I share today with the GBI.

Before we begin, I believe it is important to review the investigative process itself. Immediately after the incident, our Internal Affairs unit began an investigation of the circumstances relating to the death of Kenneth Walker, which continued until it was suspended mid-day Friday. On Friday, December 12th, I decided to contact the GBI for an independent investigation. At that point, our internal investigation was supsended and our investigative file became a part of the GBI's separate investigation.

No one in my office is part of the GBI's investigative team. Therefore, the information I'm releasing today only reflects the results of our internal investigation before it was suspended.

On 12-10-03 the Metro Narcotics Task Force was conducting a narcotics investigation at 5000 Armour Rd apartment 3-G (North Woods Apartments). Based on an Informant's phone call to 5000 Armour Rd apartment 3-G on 12-10-03 at approximately 7:30 PM, Michael Powell was stopped immediately after leaving this location with 63.7 grams of crack cocaine and was arrested by a Metro Narcotics Task Force Team. Powell was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine. The street value of this seized cocaine is $6,370.00. At approximately 8:00 PM, four members of the Muscogee County Special Responds Team were called out off duty to meet with Metro Agents in...

(End of Page One).


Page Two of the Statement:

...order to serve a residential search warrant at Apartment 3-G in North Woods Apartments. This apartment was in the control of individuals by the names of Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall. The reason a special response team was requested was due to the fact that the information provided by the informant alleged that these subjects inside the apartment were armed. Also, the preceding arrest of Powell leaving this apartment with a large amount of cocaine substantiated this request. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for this residence.

While waiting for the search warrant for this residence to be approved; this apartment was under constant surveillance by the Metro Narcotics Task Force. During this short time period the Yukon arrived at this apartment complex occupied by four individuals. One of these individuals being Kenneth Walker who was later identified as being the right rear passenger. The Yukon was identified by the informant at this point as being or matching the description of a Yukon that was driven by an unknown individual from Miami, Florida, that supplied Darrell Jackson of Apartment 3-G with cocaine. The informant stated that the individuals in this vehicle would be armed. The Yukon stayed a few minutes, left, was under surveillance to a ocation and then the same vehicle returned abck to the apartment location where the left rear passenger exited the Yukon and met with Darrell Jackson outside the residence. The passenger from the Yukon was carrying a package wrapped in plastic into the apartment and it was said by the informant that he looked like one of the Miami dealers. Several minutes went by and then the remaining occupants of the Yukon went inside the apartment that was under investigation. Approximately fifteen minutes later, all individuals from the Yukon exited the apartment and got back into the vehicle. The Special Responds Team members on standby for the service of this residential search warrant were called and...


Page Three of the Statement:

...requested to assist with the stop of this Yukon occupied by four individuals and that the subjects may be armed. The Yukon was stopped on I-185 south of Manchester Expressway over the Edgewood underpass by two marked Sheriff's Patrol units. As the occupants of the Yukon were being removed from the vehicle; Kenneth Walker was shot by Deputy David Glisson at approximately 8:58 PM. The weapon involved in this shooting is a MP-5 9mm sub machine gun that is only used and issued to special tactically trained deputies. It is known for certain that Mr. Walker was shot in the forehead once. It is an investigative conclusion at this point in the investigation that the MP-5 discharged twice from an automatic setting. This resulted in the death of Kenneth Walker who died at the Medical Center on December 11, 2003 at 2:25 AM. This is the official date and time of death recorded by the Muscogee County Coroner.

Deputy Glisson was placed on Administrative leave immediately after this shooting. His law enforcement activities were also suspended pending this investigation. This is an issue of policy and due process. Deputy Glisson has been employed with the Sheriff's Office for twenty years. He has been a special response team member for five years and is currently assigned to the felony apprehension unit. Deputy Glisson has never been involved in a shooting in his career. My relunctance to release his name was a result of some actions taken by unknown persons against Sheriff's personnell and property after this shooting that consisted of verbal assaults, property damage, and graffiti. I simply did not wish for anyone else to get hurt.

After the shooting incident, at approximately 10:50 PM, the search warrant was approved and served at the apartment in question. Approximately 3 grams of crack cocaine ($300.00) street value, 24 grams of powder cocaine ($2.400.00) in street value, and a Talon 9 mm handgun were recovered. Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall were...

Page Four of the Statement:

...arrested inside this apartment and were charged by the Metro Narcotics Task Force with Possession of Cocaine w/Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Jackson was further charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

The Reason that Mr. Walker was shot still remains under investigation. I am told that the three individuals in the Yukon and Deputy Glisson have all retained legal counsel and are not prepared to make any statements at this time to the G.B.I. No criminal charges against Mr. Walker or the other three occupants were made in regards to this investigation.

Upon the completion of this investigation, I assure the citizens of Muscogee County that I will take appropriate action in this matter. This was not a racially profiled random traffic stop. The Sheriff's Office has not had a shooting incident in over ten years, and has not had a shooting related death in over 20 years.

The Walker family has been contacted and a copy of this release will be provided to them.

I am going to try to be patient for this investigation to be brought to some form of conclusion by the G.B.I. before I resume my own Administrative Investigation.

As a life long citizen of Muscogee COunty, and in my 22 years of law enforcement, I have never experienced such a tragedy as this. Aside from my position as Sheriff, I love and care for all people. As your Sheriff, and as a citizen of this community, I will do everything possible to reach out in order to help heal, nurture, and restore tranquility within the community. In conclusion, I can assure you that nothing in this investigation has been covered up. Everything has been, and will be exposed to the G.B.I. and F.B.I...

-- Page Five --

To only call this incident a tragedy would be an understatement. To say that all of us in law enforcement are shocked, saddened and extremely regretful cannot adequately express our feelings. I am determined to do everything that I can to prevent this from happening again. The Sheriff's Office operates under the motto "We Care" and that commitment extends to ALL people of the community. I am determined to demonstrate the truth of that statement by our actions. This Media release can be viewed in it's entirety on the Government Access Channel. I would like to thank you all once again for being here today.

Thank You

I don't buy it......if this was true I'm sure something would have been said b/f now.

Bruh, the Sheriff has to cover his own azz, thats why the need for the cover story. No one saw Bro. Kenny go into that apartment complex. They found no drugs or guns. The police backtracked and made up a story to fit the scenario to make it plausible. You can tell that they are country bumpkins because the story makes no sense.

Persevere Bruh, we are not going to let this rest. We have a meeting in two weeks in Columbus. Justice will be served.

Doggy, I know you'll keep us posted about the meeting. The marvel of internet--this story has spread throughout the country and folx are MAD AS HELL AND AIN'T GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!

Walker Attorney wants District Attorney Disqualified
 

Walker Attorney wants District Attorney Disqualified
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Author: Patricia Newman

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is expected on Friday to turn over to the Muscogee County District Attorney results of their probe into the fatal shooting of Kenneth Walker, but attorneys for the victim's friends want the district attorney to recuse himself from the case.

Montgomery, Ala. Attorney Dwayne L. Brown, representing the three men in the truck with Walker the night of the shooting, is calling for a special prosecutor to take over the case.

"We've asked Gray Conger to recuse himself from this case," Brown told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "We've called on a special prosecutor who is not connected with Muscogee Police and the Columbus Police Department.

"Mr. Conger has worked in cooperation with the Columbus Police Department and the Muscogee Police Department," said Brown. "We're not saying that Gray Conger is biased, but we are saying that it gives the appearance of impropriety because he has worked with these officers on a daily basis."

Chris Hosey, special agent working the case, said he will give the videotape and other crime scene evidence to Conger.

"We are planning on turning our case files and copies of the videotape over to the district attorney in Columbus on Friday," said Hosey. He also said the videotapes and other evidence in the case would be released after the investigation is complete, pursuant to Georgia's open records laws.

The two-month-long investigation into the shooting death of an unarmed man by a Muscogee County sheriff's deputy was delayed for a number of weeks after a combination of holidays and other scheduling conflicts prevented GBI agents from interviewing key witnesses.

On Dec. 10, Kenneth Walker was riding with three friends in a gray GMC Yukon when police pulled them over along Interstate 185 after the men were seen leaving a Columbus apartment that was under surveillance for drug activity.

Walker, 39, along with his friends Warren Beaulah, Anthony Smith and Darryl Ransom, were pulled from the vehicle and told to lie on the ground.

Muscogee Deputy David Glisson said he could not see Walker's right hand and thought he was armed. Glisson fired two shots at Walker, one striking him in the forehead killing him. No weapons or drugs were found on any of the men.

Muscogee County Sheriff Ralph Johnson requested that GBI take over the investigation on Dec. 12. Once the GBI's report is handed over to Conger, he will have to decide whether to present the case before a grand jury to seek an indictment.

In previously published reports Conger has said that the transfer of the GBI's report to his office will not result in the immediate release of more details -- including a sheriff's department's videotape -- of the incident.

Walker's family has retained the law offices of famed lawyer Willie Gary to represent them. Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, who is now a partner in Gary's firm, said the fact that Kenneth Walker was "shot without provocation is incomprehensible."

"The family and the community are outraged in the delay in providing answers to what happened Dec. 10," said Campbell. "There was no excuse for the brutal killing of Kenneth Walker. No drugs were found in his system. He did not have a blemish on his record and if he can be pulled from his car and be shot, nobody is safe. That's why you're seeing so much anger in Columbus."

Campbell said his law firm plans to file suit for wrongful death and civil rights violations in the next two weeks in Columbus.

Muscogee County Sheriff Ralph Johnson has pointedly denied that the men were profiled. He has maintained that the men were pulled over because of a tip received from a drug informant. According to the sheriff, the informant said that some dealers had left his home driving a gray GMC Yukon and were heavily armed.

Meanwhile, Will Rembert, Walker's friend and Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother, said Walker's wife is dealing with a tremendous burden.

"She hasn't had a chance to grieve," Rembert said. "She's fighting with the sheriff's office for more answers."


http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site....ws/walkerattny

Omega Man Killed by Police
 

It hurts everytime I read about a black man being senselessly murdered!